Hanna for web

Letter urges DOT, FAA to prevent closure of 149 contract towers nationwide

(Washington, DC. – May 2, 2013) U.S. Representative Richard Hanna called on the U.S. Department of Transportation to ensure the contract control tower at Griffiss International Airport remains open.

Rep. Hanna and 82 Members of Congress sent a letter to Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood urging the Department and the Federal Aviation Administration to use unobligated funds made available through the “Reducing Flight Delays Act of 2013,” which was recently signed into law, to prevent the closure of 149 contract air traffic control towers nationwide.

The Administration currently plans to close the contract tower at Griffiss in Rome on June 15.

“Congress has given the Administration more than enough funding flexibility to keep the tower at Griffiss open for the rest of the fiscal year,” Rep. Hanna said. “The tower at Griffiss is an asset to our community and it helps support jobs in the Mohawk Valley. The Administration can and must keep it open.”

Congress has directed this reprogramming of funds by law. The letter states, “Maintaining service at all contract air towers is intrinsic to the authority granted in this law to ensure a safe and efficient air transportation system.”

The letter, dated May 2, and the 82 cosigners of the letter said they hope to hear very soon how the DOT and FAA will take immediate steps to keep the 149 contract towers open.

 

By martha

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